In a galaxy far, far away Star Wars introduced us to the concept of the Force, which Obi Wan Kenobi described as an invisible energy field that flows through all living beings. Many Aikido practitioners receive training in Ki development because it is believed that a similar force, called Ki, flows through us in the same way and is the source of power, which originates from the Center or One-point. Key (no pun intended) to understanding this concept includes: The Unbendable Arm and Breathing to generate mental relaxation.
The Unbendable Arm - Among the first questions asked by new Aikido students is "what is this force and how do we know when we have it"? Many have heard the story of an individual generating the strength to free a loved-one trapped underneath a heavy object. We imagine the power of Ki as an untapped reservoir akin to the mass of an iceberg, which lies under the surface of the ocean. One of the first ki training exercises is Orenaite also known as the unbendable arm. Ki flows through the healthy body continuously and can be redirected to focus power in a specific location and direction. To help our students visualize this concept, we ask them to extend one arm straight and to imagine directing an imaginary stream of water from our center, through our head and out the arm in a powerful stream focused on putting our water. What we find is that this relaxed arm can be held straight much more powerfully than trying to consciously hold it straight with muscle power. This imaginary water is our visualization of the flowing ki energy.
Breathing to generate mental relaxation - The focus of the four principles of Aikido is to generate Ki energy or power though relaxation of the mind. Aikido practitioners believe that the relaxed mind is essential to the unimpeded flow of Ki. This relaxed mental and physical state does not just happen, in fact the more extraneous thoughts that run through the mind, the more Ki flow is restricted. Misogi breathing helps the student to release these stressful thoughts and to relax by focusing on breathing. The student sits comfortably, with eye half closed, and imagines that breath is flows into the nose, through the mind and down into the center or one-point, which expands with the breath. In the exhalation phase of the exercise the breath moves from the center through the mind and out the mouth in an "ahhhh" sound. The goal of this exercise is to release all extraneous thoughts permitting the mind to relax and that the breathing becomes the all encompassing focus of the mind. Through Misogi breathing, the mind and body become united rather than disconnected where tension from the mind creates tension in the body.
When one observes someone who has internalized the principles of Aikido, he see an individual whose movements are relaxed and flowing. The mind that is calm relaxes the body and permits weight to naturally settle on the underside and allows the center to become the solid focal point of the technique. This relaxed mind "sees" everything from the potential threats to openings or opportunities. Finally, the relaxed mind and body are unified, which permits optimal, unrestricted ki flow and resultant power it generates.
Ki energy is like the Force in that it is invisible and the source of a tremendous amount of power when executing Aikido techniques. This energy is maximized when the mind is relaxed. Techniques such as misogi breathing help the student to develop ki energy to tap the enormous power, which lies just under the surface. - 16887
The Unbendable Arm - Among the first questions asked by new Aikido students is "what is this force and how do we know when we have it"? Many have heard the story of an individual generating the strength to free a loved-one trapped underneath a heavy object. We imagine the power of Ki as an untapped reservoir akin to the mass of an iceberg, which lies under the surface of the ocean. One of the first ki training exercises is Orenaite also known as the unbendable arm. Ki flows through the healthy body continuously and can be redirected to focus power in a specific location and direction. To help our students visualize this concept, we ask them to extend one arm straight and to imagine directing an imaginary stream of water from our center, through our head and out the arm in a powerful stream focused on putting our water. What we find is that this relaxed arm can be held straight much more powerfully than trying to consciously hold it straight with muscle power. This imaginary water is our visualization of the flowing ki energy.
Breathing to generate mental relaxation - The focus of the four principles of Aikido is to generate Ki energy or power though relaxation of the mind. Aikido practitioners believe that the relaxed mind is essential to the unimpeded flow of Ki. This relaxed mental and physical state does not just happen, in fact the more extraneous thoughts that run through the mind, the more Ki flow is restricted. Misogi breathing helps the student to release these stressful thoughts and to relax by focusing on breathing. The student sits comfortably, with eye half closed, and imagines that breath is flows into the nose, through the mind and down into the center or one-point, which expands with the breath. In the exhalation phase of the exercise the breath moves from the center through the mind and out the mouth in an "ahhhh" sound. The goal of this exercise is to release all extraneous thoughts permitting the mind to relax and that the breathing becomes the all encompassing focus of the mind. Through Misogi breathing, the mind and body become united rather than disconnected where tension from the mind creates tension in the body.
When one observes someone who has internalized the principles of Aikido, he see an individual whose movements are relaxed and flowing. The mind that is calm relaxes the body and permits weight to naturally settle on the underside and allows the center to become the solid focal point of the technique. This relaxed mind "sees" everything from the potential threats to openings or opportunities. Finally, the relaxed mind and body are unified, which permits optimal, unrestricted ki flow and resultant power it generates.
Ki energy is like the Force in that it is invisible and the source of a tremendous amount of power when executing Aikido techniques. This energy is maximized when the mind is relaxed. Techniques such as misogi breathing help the student to develop ki energy to tap the enormous power, which lies just under the surface. - 16887
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